Demand for More Deputy CMs in Karnataka: Congress Awaits Decision from Central Leadership

Amid rising calls for more Deputy Chief Ministers (DCMs) in Karnataka, the state Congress President and current Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the party’s central leadership will make the final decision. This follows a push from some Ministers in the Siddaramaiah-led cabinet advocating for DCM posts to be allocated to leaders from Veerashaiva-Lingayat, SC/ST, and minority communities. Shivakumar, representing the Vokkaliga community, is the sole Deputy Chief Minister.

Ministers close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, such as Co-operation Minister K.N. Rajanna and Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, has expressed support for this demand, arguing it would ensure better community representation and strengthen party support across different demographics. Rajanna pointed out a precedent set by the BJP, while Khan emphasized that every community’s desire for representation is valid, ultimately leaving the decision to the party’s high command.

Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa and Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing capability over quotas for such positions. Meanwhile, IT Minister Priyank Kharge criticized expanding DCM roles as impractical, urging Ministers to focus on their duties and the party’s performance in upcoming elections.

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